Everything you need to know about Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs)
If just reading the word TEST makes you nervous, take heart! We’ve compiled some information to help you better understand CPTs.
What are CPTs and why do I need to take them?
Greenfield Community College (and every other community college in Massachusetts) administers Computerized Placement Tests to help identify your strengths and weaknesses in English and mathematics. This ensures that you will be placed into the most appropriate courses as you enter college. GCC requires that most students be admitted to the college before scheduling their Computerized Placement Test.
Is anyone ever excused from CPTs?
Some of our applicants have taken college-level English and/or math at GCC or at another institution. For these students, a transcript review will determine if you need to take placement tests. Other students may have taken CPTs at another college. We will accept an official copy of Accuplacer online test scores from another school. Please note that we accept test scores only. Once we receive your scores, we will make a determination of your placement. Scores from other institutions should be sent to the Testing Center. If you need disability accomadation, call Anna Berry at (413) 775-1812.
"I really want to be a massage therapist, a corrections officer, a human services worker, or an elementary school teacher but I can’t do math!"
We hear that frequently, but relax; the test assumes a certain amount of rustiness. Many applicants have never taken college level courses and the thought of a computerized test can be intimidating. Actually, it is very common for people who have not been in school in a while to feel math/computer anxiety. This has more to do with the fact that you use English every day and currently we do most of our mathematics work on a calculator. The first step toward success is to understand what will be expected of you and the second step is to review and practice typical problems. All applicants will be asked to do a reading comprehension test and a test of standard written English and then an arithmetic test. The arithmetic test has 12 to 16 problems, which cover addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions (review how to divide fractions), decimals and percentages. The algebra test covers first and second year high school algebra. If you have taken trigonomatry, you may take the college level math test. All tests are multiple choice and rest assured there is no penalty for guessing. Helpful hints for dealing with math anxiety are located here.
What information does the CPT cover?
Please click here to read more about different types of placement tests.
Tips before you schedule your exam
- Review: Students (especially those who have been out of school for some time) will benefit from reviewing English, arithmetic and algebra. Please see the following links for all study guides and specific math reviews.
- RELAX! Get a good night's sleep! Practice! Bring your social security number with you on testing day. That’s all you will need. We will provide everything else! Please do not bring your children with you because we have no facilities to take care of them and they are not allowed in the testing lab.
- Check out this link for advice on stress and test anxiety. (Tips for dealing with stress and keeping calm while taking a test.) The test is very easy to navigate, even if you are not highly skilled on a computer and each question is saved as you navigate through the test. When you’re done, your scores print out immediately. (No anxious waiting for test results!)
May I take the tests again, if I don’t score as well as I would like?
Yes! Please be aware that while there is no charge to students for the initial tests, subsequent tests do carry a fee, ($10.00 per test) payable on the day of the retest. Those who study to prepare for a retest often can improve their score. Those who do not prepare often score LOWER the second time.
What are developmental courses?
Developmental courses serve as a bridge between the students's current educational level and the typical college courses. Click here for more information.
How do I schedule a placement test?
Register here for placement testing, or email testing@gcc.mass.edu with your top 3 choices of preferred days and times. We will reply to your email with a comfirmed time. You may also call the testing office at (413) 775-1147 or 775-1821 as soon as you get your acceptance package from GCC. If you suspect that you may need to do some skill building courses, please be sure to complete your application process and schedule your CPT in time to register and possibly to retest for those courses. About one quarter of our students choose to retake part or all of the tests.
Whom do I call if I still have questions?
For questions about Computerized Placement Testing, call Jean Boucias at (413) 775-1147. She will work with you to ease whatever concerns you may have.
The Testing Center is open weekdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm , and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. (some Saturdays are available at busy times of the year). Email us at testing@gcc.mass.edu and tell us your preferred date and times, or call us for an appointment: (413) 775-1147 or (413) 775-1821.